A scientific study has demonstrated the strong capability of Landsat satellite imagery to monitor Total Suspended Solids (TSS) and coastal ecosystem conditions, offering a powerful tool for managing and protecting vulnerable marine environments. The research focuses on the Spermonde Archipelago, South Sulawesi, an area increasingly affected by sedimentation and coastal pollution.
Using multi-temporal Landsat data collected over five years and across different seasonal conditions, the study mapped how suspended sediments are distributed in coastal waters. The results clearly show that TSS concentrations are highest near river estuaries, particularly during the rainy season, when runoff from land-based activities such as settlements, agriculture, and industry flows into the sea.
The findings reveal that during the rainy season, TSS levels frequently exceed national water quality standards for marine biota and fisheries, indicating that these waters are no longer suitable for healthy marine ecosystems or productive fishing activities. In contrast, TSS concentrations drop significantly during the dry season, highlighting the strong influence of seasonal dynamics on coastal water quality.
Beyond water quality, the study also examined changes in coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs and seagrass habitats. Long-term satellite analysis revealed a dramatic decline in live coral cover in several islands within the Spermonde region, reinforcing concerns that sedimentation and pollution are contributing to ecosystem degradation.
By combining satellite image processing, field measurements, and geospatial analysis, this research demonstrates that remote sensing is an effective, cost-efficient, and scalable approach for monitoring sediment dynamics and coastal ecosystem health. The ability to track changes over time provides valuable insights for coastal planners, environmental managers, and policymakers.
The study strongly supports the use of satellite-based monitoring as a foundation for evidence-based coastal management, pollution control, and sustainable fisheries planning. Its findings highlight the urgent need to reduce land-based sediment sources and strengthen integrated watershed–coastal management to protect Indonesia’s coastal and small island ecosystems.
